Good morning, this is Seattle Local Pulse for Sunday, December 8, 2024.
We're starting with some breaking news and major developments from the last few days in our city. If you're planning to head out today, be aware that the Seattle Marathon is underway, causing some road closures. Northbound 99 north of downtown and part of the I-5 express lanes through downtown will be closed this morning and early afternoon. Check the full closure list before you head out.
In local news, the holiday season is in full swing, and West Seattle is bustling with events. Today, you can visit the Duwamish Longhouse Native Art Market, which is in its final day. It's a great opportunity to buy from Native artists and crafters, and there are food vendors too. The market is open from 10 am to 5 pm at 4705 West Marginal Way SW.
Also in West Seattle, the West Seattle Kiwanis is hosting a Toys for Tots booth at the Farmers' Market. Bring new, unwrapped toys to donate, and you can also buy advance pancake-breakfast tickets. The market is located at California and Alaska.
In other holiday events, Jet City Labs is hosting a small-business market from 10 am to 2 pm at 4547 California SW. The Sweet Reel Holiday Makers' Market is also happening today from 11 am to 4 pm at 5001 Delridge Way SW. And if you're looking for a photo with Santa, head to Ounces at 3809 Delridge Way SW from 1 to 4 pm.
Moving on to the job market, Seattle continues to see strong growth. The latest data shows that the unemployment rate in Seattle is around 4%, which is slightly higher than the national average but still very competitive. Major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft are leading the charge, but other industries like construction and hospitality are also seeing significant gains. If you're looking for a new job, some of the top hiring companies right now include Boeing, Starbucks, and Costco Wholesale.
In real estate news, home prices in Seattle are up, but so is inventory. The median home price is around $850,000, and there are currently over 2,000 homes for sale in the city. This is a slight increase from last year, giving buyers a bit more to choose from.
From City Hall, there are some updates on decisions that affect daily life. The Seattle Public Schools are considering changes to regular school hours, and there are ongoing discussions about zoning changes and property developments. We'll keep you updated on any significant developments.
Weather-wise, today is expected to be cool with a chance of snow flurries in the morning. The National Weather Service predicts that the skies will clear in the afternoon, but it's a good idea to bundle up if you're heading out.
In new business activity, there are a few notable openings and changes. The Prost West Seattle is hosting a tree lighting and holiday music event starting at 5 pm today, featuring Tom Hutyler. And if you're looking for a unique holiday activity, the Astra Lumina light show is happening at the Seattle Chinese Garden.
Upcoming community events include the Menashe Family Lights display, which is one of the biggest and brightest in West Seattle. It's located at 5605 Beach Drive SW and is definitely worth a visit.
In local school achievements, 13-year-old Nathan Tavel is making headlines for his hour-long bowl-a-thon at West Seattle Bowl. He's raising money for local food banks and has already raised over $500.
Finally, in today's crime report, there have been no significant incidents in the past 24 hours. However, the Seattle Police Department is reminding everyone to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
This has been Seattle Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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